The XFL was already experiencing some issues that called its longevity into question earlier this year, well before the COVID-19 pandemic caused its season to be canceled.
Now comes even more news that indicates the XFL is in deep trouble when it comes to a long-term outlook.
Field Yates of ESPN shared that XFL COO Jeffery Pollock said the league is suspending operations, and that all employees have been laid off.
This is not a good sign. Despite XFL owner Vince McMahon having extremely deep pockets, and despite the league’s promise to invest $500 million in its first three years, it’s worth wondering if the XFL will be back next year — even if the coronavirus pandemic is well behind us by February of 2021.
The league was able to get through five weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic put sports on hold for the foreseeable future. While the early returns were promising, the league saw interest waning every week with dwindling television numbers. This latest development could signal the death knell.